Argentina played a draw against Brasil without Lionel Messi

Argentina and Brazil shared the spoils after a hard-fought South American derby in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers on Saturday.

It was the Argentines who took the lead in the 34th minute. Di Maria initiated the attack as he powered forward before playing it through for Gonzalo Higuain. The striker held it up to wait for Ezequiel Lavezzi, who ran onto the pass and slotted the finish from close range.

However, the South American giants were on level pegging once more in the 58th minute. Dani Alves created the chance with a superb ball into the box. Douglas Costa won the header and sent it crashing into the bar, but Lucas Lima was on hand to slot the rebound for his first international goal.